6 April 2019
DINARD DECLARATION ON
THE CYBER NORM INITIATIVE
As our societies become increasingly digitalized, reinforcing trust, security and stability in
cyberspace is critical in order to ensure that all actors can fully enjoy its benefits. We remain
committed to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful cyberspace for all, where
the application of international law and fundamental freedoms are promoted and human rights are
protected online.
In this context, we recall with appreciation that the General Assembly has affirmed that
international law, and in particular the Charter of the United Nations, is applicable and is essential
to maintaining peace and stability and promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) environment. We also recall the conclusions of
the 2010, 2013 and 2015 reports of the Groups of Governmental Experts on Developments in the
Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security, transmitted
by the UN Secretary General and consensually endorsed by the UN General Assembly, which
called on all states to be guided in their use of ICTs by these reports.
These reports notably stressed that rules, principles and voluntary and non-binding norms of
responsible behavior of States in the use of ICTs can reduce risks to international peace, security
and stability and that confidence-building measures strengthen international peace and security
and can increase inter-state cooperation, transparency, predictability and stability.
We affirm our willingness to establish a Cyber Norm Initiative (CNI) dedicated to sharing best
practices and lessons learned on the implementation of previously recognized voluntary, nonbinding norms of responsible State behavior. We encourage, where possible, other interested
partners to join us in this endeavor or to complete a similar exercise. This would contribute to the
work by the UN Open-ended Working Group and Group of Governmental Experts, and by regional
organizations, and would aim to demonstrate strong examples of adherence to these norms.
As participants in the Cyber Norm Initiative we commit to:
-
Encourage better and increased voluntary exchange of information, among ourselves and
with others, on the steps taken by our respective states to understand and effectively
implement the voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace
and the recommendations contained in the abovementioned reports;
-
Share the best practices and lessons learned that will be identified as a result of this
process with a wide range of states and other stakeholders;